Google Releases First Developer Preview Images For Oreo 8.1

Google has released the first set of developer preview images for Oreo's first maintenance release - Android 8.1. Oreo 8.1 is currently available in beta for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

If you happen to have any of these devices, you can try out Oreo 8.1 in two ways. The first and the easiest way is to enroll your device in the Android Beta program by clicking here and you will then get a notification to download an update for Android 8.1. The other method is to install the update manually. You can flash the system or OTA images of Android 8.1 via ADB. To go ahead with this method, you must have unlocked the bootloader of your device. In case you aren't familiar with the process of flashing, we recommend you to use the first method. You can grab the OTA and system images for Oreo 8.1 from the links given in the source. Although either method shouldn't result in data loss, it is recommended that you backup your data to be on the safer side of things.

Google expects to release the stable build of Oreo 8.1 in December. As we had mentioned in one of our leaks last year, Google is following a similar scheme of things for Oreo as it did for Nougat. Android Nougat was released on August 22 last year while Oreo was released on August 21 this year. It was around this time last year that the first developer previews for Nougat 7.1.1 were released and the final release was made in December.

In our follow-up posts, we will let you know about the new features in Oreo 8.1.

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.